Firm News

Talented legal trainees highlight progression opportunities at the region’s largest law firm.

22 October 2018

Five young professionals have embarked on training contracts with the region’s largest law firm, which has emerged as one of the UK’s biggest and best sector employers.

All from different backgrounds, the five girls will now undertake two years of development within various departments at Wilkin Chapman solicitors.

The news comes as a national report puts Wilkin Chapman ahead of its peers as the largest employer of all the UK’s 2018 ‘Independents’.

The firm currently sits at 106 in The Lawyer’s UK 200, a revenue-based national rankings report. The ‘Independents’ section takes a more detailed look at those that sit between 101 and 200 and with 441 employees, an 11.1 per cent year-on-year increase, Wilkin Chapman leads the way.

Of the five latest trainees, three have progressed from previous Paralegal roles.

Amy Murphy has been working as a Paralegal for 18-months and is delighted to have now been offered a training contract. Amy studied law at The University of Sheffield, before successfully completing her LPC (Legal Practice Course), at the University of Law in Leeds.

Currently sitting in Probate, she said: “The firm is a market leader in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, with opportunity to progress.”

Like Amy, Hannah Loft has also seen progression through the firm – from Paralegal to a two-year traineeship, which she is completing alongside her necessary LPC studies.

Hannah completed her law degree at the University of Birmingham, before joining Wilkin Chapman, where she now sits within the Dispute Resolution Team.

She also appreciates the chance to progress within the region: “There are some really good opportunities, especially with all the sector expertise and specialisms which are available within the firm. I am excited to further progress my legal career in becoming a solicitor at the region’s biggest law firm.”

Louisa Holmes has also progressed from Paralegal to trainee solicitor. A Hull University law degree student, Louisa gained three years’ experience with a London law firm, living in the city, before returning home and beginning her career with Wilkin Chapman. She takes her first seat with the Insolvency team.

“I knew this was the firm for me straight away. The doors here have opened for me and I have felt encouraged to ‘go for it’ and progress,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chloe Binstead and Harriet Sterry have joined the Wilkin Chapman team for the first time – having started their respective training contracts in September.

Both completed their law degrees at the University of Sheffield – although a year apart, with Harriet’s four-year course taking her to Paris to study French law.

“What a fantastic opportunity that was, however I am settling in here well and enjoying the work very much,” said Nottingham-born Harriet.

Chloe is spending her first six-months working with Wilkin Chapman’s Probate team, one of several departments she will experience during her two years.

“I really appreciate the fact that the firm has a high-quality mix of personal and business law, and so will experience both. There really is an ‘open-door’ feel here too, which is great,” said Chloe.

Wilkin Chapman is currently accepting applications from those interested in joining the 2020/21 training contract programme and welcomes applications from those looking to pursue a career in Law. Click here for more information.

Wilkin Chapman LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales, registered number OC343261. We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Head office SRA number 509655).